英语口语教程（Oral Workshop）--中级 Lesson 32

Lesson 32

 Do You Know Your Own Character?

 Text A

 THE OX You're a hard and conscientiou's worker if you were born in the year of the Ox and you set about everything in a methodical and determined manner.

 You're a strong leader-tough and uncompromising. You know what you want and don't let anything stand in your way! You take responsibilities very seriously and place a great deal of trust in friends and colleagues. But if. you feel someone has let you down, you'll erupt!

 You're a loner who cherishes your independence. You can be stubborn and obstinate. You're a poor loser who takes setbacks badly. As an Ox, you're often rather studious and not renowned for your sense of humour.

 You love tradition and are suspicious of anything new.

 Your home is very important to you--it's your private sanctuary. You make sure that members of your close-knit family do their share of the work! You're neat and well-organised, and very punctual. Nothing infuriates you more than being kept waiting. Yes , you are a hard task-master !

 Given the opportunity, you'd live in the country and spend hours pottering around a large garden. Not surprisingly, Oxen do well in agriculture or politics. You are also very gifted in the arts and music and many of you enjoy considerable success as musicians and composers.

 Female Oxen are caring and kind. You're a loving parent and excellent organiser. You're very determined and often get what you want in life !

 Sincere, loyal and unpretentious, Oxen are very down-toearth characters. You can, however, be rather reserved and some may see you as distant and aloof.

 Underneath that quiet nature, though, you're strong-willed and ambitious. So you have the courage of your convictions and are often prepared to stand up for what you believe.

 THE TIGER

 Born under the sign of courage, you're charismatic and usually have firm views and beliefs. You do everything with energy and enthusiasm. A highly original thinker, you're nearly always brimming with new ideas.

 You adore a challenge and love getting involved. At least once in a lifetime you'll throw caution to the wind and go off and do your own thing. With your restless nature, however, your enthusiasm can soon wane.

 You're impulsive and sometimes regret your actions-you need to think things through. Fortunately, you're lucky in most enterprises but, when things don't work out, you suffer bouts of depression.

 Although your life is a series of ups and downs you're very adaptable. With your restless spirit, you rarely stay in one place for long. You're open and honest and hate hypocrisy. So you can be rebellious at times, which can lead you into conflict. You're never one to shrink from arguments.

 Tigers are natural leaders and you should rise to the top of your profession, though you don't like bureaucracy and hate obeying orders. And despite your great leadership qualities , you can be indecisive and overly sensitive to criticism.

 Tigresses are lively and witty, and you're great hostesses. You take care over your appearance and are good with children. You have great teachirig qualities , too. You have a very caring and generous nature.

 Tigers have many commendable qualities and you are often an inspiration for other people. You'll have full and satisfying lives-provided that you can curb those wild excesses!

 THE RABBIT

 Intelligent and well-mannered, rabbits prefer a quiet existence so you hate any sort of unpleasantness and will try to steer clear of arguments and disputes. You're a pacifist and tend to have a calming influence on those around you.

 With your .wide interests you appreciate the arts and finer things in life. You know how to enjoy yourself and gravitate to the best restaurants and night spots.

 You're a witty and intelligent speaker and love being involved in a good discussion, when your views and advice are often sought. You rarely raise your voice in anger and will even turn a blind eye to matters which displease you just to preserve the peace. You can be a sensitive soul and take any form of criticism badly.

 A quiet, efficient worker, you have an extremely good memory. You're often astute in business and finance but hate making quick decisions. You're a planner who doesn't like to take risks. Because you're, conscientious you will do well in your chosen profession-you're an excellent diplomat and would make a good lawyer or shopkeeper. You're a great collector, and many Rabbits derive pleasure from stamps or antiques.

 Your home is important to you and you spend time and money on maintaining and furnishing it. Female Rabbits have caring , considerate natures and you do everything in your power to keep your home happy and loving .

 You're sociable and enjoy entertaining. With your great ability to get the maximum out of your time , you involve yourself in numerous activities but always find time for a chat.

 The Rabbit is usually lucky in life. You often have the happy knack of being in the right place at the right time! You're talented and quick witted but sometimes put pleasure before work !

 THE DRAGON

 You're a proud , Iively character born under the Dragon--and you have tremendous self-confidence. Dragons are highly intelligent and you're quick to take advantage of any opportunities that occur. You're a perfectionist who sets yourself high standars- you won't suffer fools gladly.

 You're blunt and forthright, though occasionally gullible. When crossed, you can take quite a long time to forgive and forget.

 You enjoy being in the limelight and you're at your best when confronted by sticky problems. In some respects you're a showman, and you rarely lack an audience. Your views are highly valued and you invariably have something interesting to say!

 Dragons have considerable energy and you're often prepared to work long and unsocial hours. You can, however, be rather impulsive and don't always consider the consequences of your actions. As you tend to live for the moment, delays irritate you more than anything. You rely tremendously on your own judgment and can be scornful of others' advice.

 You cherish your independence to such a depree that you may remain single throughout your life. However, Dragons often have lots of admirers who are attracted by your flamboyance and your striking good looks.

 The female Dragon knows what she wants in life, and sets about things in a very determined manner. No job is too small for you and you're often prepared to work extremely hard, though you hate being bound by routine.You do tend to speak your mind , too !

 If you're an adventurous Dragan youll love to go travelling off the beaten track. Though you're rather demanding, you have many frineds and you're nearly always the centre of attention.

 Text B

 WHAT'S AHEAD-THE OX

 It's going to be a busy and immensely satisfying year for you, during which hard work will pay off-in a big way! One turn of events may be resented at first, but this will work out well. Generally, it will be a year of surprises during which you should seize opportunities which present themselves , branching out mto new areas.

 The year won't be without awkward problems, though, and you may find yourself having to deal with something distasteful. You should be wary of acting without the backing of others. Failure to do so could leave you feeling isolated.

 Family matters will keep you busy and you'll also be involved in major home improvements-these could be much bigger than you first realised. Financially, it will be a very lucky year and you should think seriously about starting a long term savings policy as a shrewd investment in years to come.

 Generally, 1988 will be a good year and if you follow your own judgment, it will be very fulfilling for you indeed.

 WHAT'S AHEAD-THE TIGER Tigers are going to be very lucky in many ventures. You'll find yourself in demand. You need to resist distractions, however, and concentrate on one thing at a time.

 At home you should tread carefully. Someone close to you may sometimes resent being kept out of your activities. Time spent with your family vill be enjoyable and rewarding and more friends will come into your circle. You'll have a very busy social life this year and several influential people will help your career.

 It's a highly romantic year , too , and you may become engaged or married. Financially~, you need to restrain your spending and should seek professional advice before committing any money.

 Over-exertion could lead to headaches and you'll need time for recreational activities, with a few short breaks every now and then. Even Tigers need a rest! Generally, you'll be very pleased with your achievements during 1988.

 WHAT'S AHEAD-THE RABBIT

 New and more demanding responsibilities lie ahead for Rabbits when you'll consolidate recent gains. Although generally quiet souls, you should not be afraid of making your views known. You are aiso going to be successful in financial matters but should avoid becoming overconfident with invesfments. However, you wili make several fortunate purchases.

 You will experience a few difficulties in your home life and these can best be sorted out by being open and frank. To keep healthy, you should stick to a balanced diet and take plenty of exercise. You'll be spending a lot of time at home carrying out alterations.

 Generally, Rabbits will be pleased with any accomplishment this year. You may not be at ease with everything around you but you'll make lots of progress.

 WHAT'S AHEAD-THE DRAGON

 As a Dragon you're going to enjoy the next 12 months-after all, it is your year 1 Never one to let the grass grow under your feet, you'll realise some of your cherished ambitions. Almost straight away there will be news of a promotion or a better job.

 It promises to be an exciting, innovative year and you will have to take full advantage of the opportunities. At home you'll be busy, too, with a possible addition to the family. You may have to spend time with someone who is not in the best of health-you are renowned for your kindness and devotion. But try not to overdo things. In this busy year, though, you'll visit places you've longed to see.

 With your tendency to speak your mind, you also should guard against entering into controversial discussions and making tactless remarks. Neither should you rush into any home move. Financially, you should have few problems, but avoid "get rich quick" schemes.

 Additionala Information

 A

 THE SNAKE

 You slippery characters are highly intelligent. Your active mind is forever planning ways to use your considerable skills. You're a deep thinker who likes to meditate. During your life you'll shed many skins and take up new interests and jobs. Snakes enjoy a challenge and rarely make mistakes.

 You're usually lucky with money, thanks to your business sense. But you do have the distinction of being the worst gambler in the whole Chinese zodiac!

 Generally, you're calm and placid and prefer the quiet life. Sometimes you have difficulty communicating with others but you do have a sense of humour particularly during crises.

 Thorough and hard-working, you can occasionally be ruthless. Your confidence, will power and quick-thinking usually ensure success but when these fail, you take a long time to recover. You can be evasive, too, and won't let others into your nfidence.

 Snakes burn up so much nervous energy that, if you're not careful, you can have health problems like high blood pressure. Often a late starter, you do well in jobs that involve research, writing or planning. 

You're a good teacher, politician or personnel manager.

 You enjoy buying expensive gifts for friends and are renowned for your good looks.

 Female snakes have style and grace with an excellent--and expensiye--taste in clothes. You're a keen socialiser with a wide circle of friends and a knack of impressing those who matter. Despite your many interests , you like to retain a certain amount of privacy.

 Snakes are fascinated by the unknown and you're often psychic. You'll try your hand at many things and will meet success when you least expect it.

 THE HORSE

 You popular Horses are known for your elegance and charm. You adore parties and meeting people-not surprisingly, you're usually the centre of attention. You also have leadership qualities and are admired for your honesty. You talk most persuasively and love discusson and debate. With your agile mind, you are able to absorb facts quickly.

 But Horses do have fiery tempers, though you will often regret your outbursts. And you're not good at keeping secrets.

 You tend to get involved with many interests, sometimes not completing them. With your tendency to get caught up the latest craze, you can waste your energies.

 You love independence, hate being bound up by petty rules. You still need support and encouragement, though, with your various enterprises. Multi-talented Horses tend to go far but you take a long time to recover from failure. You regard it as a humiliation.

 You like to travel and explore new, exciting places and during one stage of your life you're usually tempted to live abroad. With your adaptable nature, you usually fit in well wherever you go.

 You're a colourful dresser and very attractive to the opposite sex. You often have many prrtners before settling down. Then you're loyal and protective to your partner, although you still like to maintain a degree of independence with interests and hobbies.

 Outgoing female Horses are usually attractive and intelligent, with many interests, particularly outdoors. You love travel, literature, the arts-and really enjoy good conversation. Although you can be stubborn and self-centred , you have a considerate nature and with your sense of humour, usually make a good impression.

 THE GOAT

 Imaginative and creative, Goats appreciate the finer things of life. With your easy-going nature, you prefer to relax away from pressures. You hate unpleasantness, or being bound by a strict routine. Even so you're a perfectionist who gives your best once you've started on a project.

 As you need support and encouragement, you prefer to work in a team rather than on your own, when you can get worried and pessimistic. Usually you like to leave major decisions to others but, if you feel strongly, you'll act with precision and strength. You're a persuasive type, and often use your considerable charm to get your own way.

 You can, however, be rather hesitant about letting your true feelings be known and if you were prepared to be more forthright, you'd find you'd do much better.

 Despite your reserve, you can be the centre of attention in company and become an amusing host and superb entertainer.

 Of all the signs, you're the most gifted artistically and make a lasting impression in theatre, literature, music or art.

 Many Goats are religious and also have a deep interest in nature.You're nostalgic and keep mementos of childhood and souvenirs of places you've visited. You're also athletic and likely to exeel in sport.

 Female goats devote a lot of time to the family. You have excellent taste in home furnishings and often use your artistic skills to make clothes. You are great organisers, with a delightful sense of humour, and create a good impression wherever you go.

 Goats win friends easily and, with the right support, have happy, satisfying lives, particularly if you can use your creative skills.

 THE MONKEY Inquisitive and imaginative, Monkeys love to keep an eye on everything going on. You like to be helpful and offer adivce which is usually sensible and reliable.

 Monkeys are intelligent, well-read and eager to learn. You have a good memory and often make superb linguists. As a convincing talker, you enjoy debates and discussions-your assured manner can be very persuasive. You excel in politics, public speaking, PR work, teaching and anything involving selling.

 You can be crafty and cunning, too, and occasionally dishonest. You will seize on opportunities to make quick gains.Often you have so much confidence in your abilities that you won't listen to advice.

 Fortunately for you, you'ie good at solving problems and extricating yourself from hopeless positions. You're a master of self-preservation! With your talent, you can make lots of money but you like to spend, too, on exotic holidays and all sorts of luxuries.

 Monkeys are original thinkers who easily become bored and distracted. Even so, you're good at organising-sometimes slightly erratically. On the odd occasion when your plans do not quite work out, you're quite happy to shrug your shoulders.

 Female Monkeys are intelligent and observant. Your views are often highly valued and you usually get your own way. You pay great attention to your appearance. You're a good friend and doting parent-you often marry young.

 Provided Monkeys can concentrate on one thing at a time, you can usually achieve what you want. And should you suffer any disappointments, you're certain to bounce back again!

 THE ROOSTER

 You're all rather flamboyant, colourful characters. But you're also meticulous, and excellent at organising. Intelligent and well-read, you have a great sense of humour and love a good debate. You love speaking your mind but your lack of tact can easily damage your reputation. With your volatile nature, you should avoid acting on the spur of the moment.

 Roosters are very dignified and have an air of confidence and authority. You're adept at finance and are capable of making yourself very wealthy. A few of you, though, are notorious spendthrifts.

 You'll often be seen carrying a notebook or scrap of paper around with you as you're constantly writing reminders or noting down important facts in case you forget.

 Although you're ambitious , you're also sometimes unrealistic about your possible achievements. Roosters don't like interference but it would be in your own interests if you listened to others. You're rather self-centred and can be stubborn over relatively trivial matters.

 You lead an active social life and usually belong to several clubs. With your caring nature , you try to help as many less fortunate as possible.

 You're often distinguished in appearance and wear uniforms with great pride. You like publicity and often do well in public relations or any job which brings you into contact with the media. Out of work, you love pottering in the garden.

 Female Roosters are active, with strong views which you have no hesitation in airing. Your home is usually neat as you're supremely efficient. You're usually found in smart, but very practical, outfits.

 Roosters usually make a lasting favourable impression, but you need to overcome your volatile nature.

 THE DOG Loyal Dogs hold firm views and you're the champion of good causes. You hate any sort of injustice and will do anything to help those less fortunate.

 Dogs are direct and straightforward-but you can also be stubborn. Still, you're always prepared to listen to the views of others. 

Dogs are good judges of character and very intuitive. You're admired for your integrity and resolute manner. Though you're friendly, you're not a great socialiser. Your idea of a good time is a quiet meal with friends, or a chat by the fire.

 You're often a marvellous storyteller, quick-witted and alert. You keep calm in a crisis and although you ha've a temper, outbursts are short. You're trustworthy and if you feel let down by someone, you'll rarely forgive or forget.

 Dogs usually prefer to specialise rather than dabble in different activities. You do well in a job where you can be of service to others, like the social services, law and medicine. Motivation is important to you as you can drift through life without ever achieving much. You tend to be a worrier and rather pessimistic.

 You're nof usually easy to live with, because your moods are changeable and you set high standards. Even so, you're not short of admirers.

 Female dogs are renowned for your beauty. You're warm and caring,but until you know someone you can be secretive. Often highly intelligent, you tend to be very ambitious. You can also find bargains in the most unlikely places.

 A loving and doting pasent, you're rarely happier than when helping someone. Provided you can stop worrying, you'll have a very full life.

 THE PIG Honest , kind and understanding-that's the Pig. You're a natural peacemaker and will do everything you can to sort out any differences of opinion. You're a good talker who hates hypocrisy. You believe firmly in law and order, although you're tolerant and forgiving, too. Pigs are popular and enjoy company. You can be relied on to lend a helping hand at functions and you're a good fund raiser. Hardworking and conscientious , you're respected for your reliability.

 You're happiest when you're helping others, and you'll give up your own time without hesitation.

 With your wonderful sense of humour, you invariably have a joke or whimsical remark at the ready. You love to please and entertain people and many Pigs find a career in showbiz.

 Pigs have great difficulty saying "no" to anyone-you can be naive and gullible. Although you're a free spender, you can often be astute with money.

 You're kept going by your faith and strength of character so you tend to bounce back quickly from setbacks. Pigs are dogged but you're also thickskinned and can shrug off abuse without thought.

 You're a great pleasure-seeker and will happily spend your hard earned cash on a lavish holiday or expensive meal.

 You shine at small functions but can become withdrawn at larger events. As a creature of comfort, your home is fitted with all the latest appliances.

 Female Pigs devote all your energies to your family and you try to ensure they want for nothing. Your home will be either very clean or hopelessly untidy. You have very good taste in clothes.

 Provided you do not let others take advantage of you, Pigs will go through life making friends and winning admiration.

 THE RAT Charming, intelligent and popular-if you were born in the year of the Rat you're the life and soul of the party. You make friends easily and people generally feel relaxed in your company.

 You're a hard worker, imaginative and full od ideas, though sometimes lack the confidence to promote your plans. Rats are very observant and make excellent writers and journalists. You are good on any job which brings you into contact with people.

 Your skills are particularly appreciated in times of crisis, for Rats have an incredible sense of self-preservation. When it comes to finding a way out of an awkward situation, you're certain to be the one who comes up with a solution.

 Rats love to be where the action is, but when you're in the office you can become a stickler for discipline and routine. You're also an opportunist, constantly on the look-out for ways in which you can improve your wealth--so you're often involved in plans and schemes, sometimes squandering your energy with little to show for it.

 You can appear to be mean with money-in fact you like to keep it in the family. Rats can be most generous to their partners, children and close friends.

 You can also be very generous to yourself and find it difficult to deprive yourself of any luxury that you fancy! You're a hoarder and hate throwing anything away and you're also rather greedy.

 You love any chance to indulge in conversation. You tend to be indiscrect. though, and highly crificalof others. Because Rats are familyoriented, you'll do anything for your nearest and dearest. You're likelhy to have a large family.

 Female Rara are usually very busy. You are a marvellous hostess for your wide circle of friends. Your home is well-kept and tastefully furnisheci. Although outgoing. you tend to keep your feelings to yourself. With your ability to charm, you'll rarely be without friends.

 B

 Unlike some of the animals you've read about . most human beings are not colourblind. In fact, thei-e is 

some evidence that our colour preferences are influenced by our characters or the way we feel. Try the 

following colour test on yourself and a friend. 

(a) Firsl choose your favourite colour(s) from those listed below. Dark blue Blue-green Red Yellow Violet Brown 

(b) Now read the following comments and decide if they are correct as they apply to you.

 Dark blue If you choose this colour it means that you feel you need peace and et at the moment. Maybe you've been working hard and need to relax. You qui like calm, problem-free relationships with others and an orderly environ-ment.

Blue-green You have a strong will.When you decide to do something,you don't change your mind easily. You don't like to fail in what you do. Because of your determination to do a job well, you must be careful of tension which can cause stomach upsets. So make sure you get enough physical exercise to give yourself time to relax !

Red People who like red enjoy life, and like to achieve results. You probaby like sports and good food. In fact, you are active and energetic and would make a good leader. Be careful not to overdo things and make sure you relax by following restful interests. such as listening to music, reading, etc. This will give your life a balance between activity and relaxation.

Yellow You are an open, cheerful and friendly person and you enjoy change. You are energetic but in fits and starts; a few days of hard work followed by a less energetic period,and then more hard work again. Your energies are often directed towards the future; you want to modernise and improve the present.

Violet You are charming and very sensitive. People may find you fascinating and a little mysterious. You enjoy literature and music and have a tendency to live in a `dream world'-and then feel disappointed when you see reality!

Brown Brown is the colour of the earth and nature. People who favour brown have often had a few problems recently which have made them feel some discomfort. Has this happened to you? If so, you may feel you need a quiet and comfortable environment, surrounded by nature.